Koopman; Baer commit to ACAC Schools for 15/16

 

The Melville Millionaires are pleased to announce that graduating defenceman Adam Koopman will continuing his college with the Keyano College Huskies (ACAC) in Fort MacMurray, Alberta starting in 15/16 season.

The Vegreville, Alberta product played 152 career games in a Millionaire uniform over 3 years compiling 3 goals 12 assists and 182 penalty minutes.

I had a chance to chat with Koopman below:

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Former Yorkton Terrier & graduating Kindersley Klippers defenceman Dylan Baer will also be playing in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference with the Red Deer College Kings in Red Deer, Alberta.

The Regina product spent much of 4 year SJHL career with Yorkton where he played in 208 career games in a Terrier uniform where he had 8 goals 45 assists for 53 points.  Baer spent the last part of his 20 year old season with the Kindersley Klippers where he played 16 games and had 7 assists.

Baer also captured 2 SJHL Canalta Cup titles, 1 Western Canada Cup title and was a member the 2014 RBC Cup National Championship Terrier team.

Yorkton Maulers Spring Camp Recap with Head Coach Graham Garett

9th annual Football Night in Saskatchewan a huge success!!

(Photo above compliments of Saskatchewan Roughriders: Pictured shows organizers Jason Farrell, Roby Sharpe & Darcy Zaharia accepting a 50-thousand dollar cheque from Riders President & CEO and Foam Lake product Craig Reynolds)

The 9th annual Football Night in Saskatchewan was held this past Saturday, according to organizers it was one of the best in its 9 year existence.

So just how successful was it, I had a chance to catch up with one of the organizers and Yorkton Minor Football President Roby Sharpe to talk about the evening.



Donation on Saturday included:

Grainmillers-- $25,000
Saskatchewan Roughriders-- $50,000
Yorkton Lions Club-- $50,000
Cornerstone Credit Union-- $15,000
Richardson International-- $100,000 (naming rights for the facility)

Ochap's Bear helps Canada win World U18 Bronze in Switzerland

(from tsn.ca)

It wasn't the medal they were looking for but for the 2nd straight year, Team Canada has won the Bronze medal at the 2015 IIHF U18 World Hockey Championships with a 5-2 victory over host Switzerland 5-2.

t’s the third time in four years Canada has won bronze at the world championship, and its fourth medal in a row; the Canadians won their third world title in 2013, around bronze in 2012, 2014 and this year. - See more at: http://stats.hockeycanada.ca/game/show/10499715?subseason=208395&_ga=1.33823905.1495899926.1427467957#.dpuf

Swift Current Broncos forward Glenn Gawdin led the way with 2 goals for the Canadian club who won their 3rd Bronze Medal in 4 years, and got a medal for the 4th year in a row.

Ochapowace's Ethan Bear, who is a member of the Seattle Thunderbirds was a member of the Canadian team.

t’s the third time in four years Canada has won bronze at the world championship, and its fourth medal in a row; the Canadians won their third world title in 2013, around bronze in 2012, 2014 and this year. - See more at: http://stats.hockeycanada.ca/game/show/10499715?subseason=208395&_ga=1.33823905.1495899926.1427467957#.dpuf

2015 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship, beating Switzerland 5-2 on Sunday. - See more at: http://stats.hockeycanada.ca/game/show/10499715?subseason=208395&_ga=1.33823905.1495899926.1427467957#.dpuf

2015 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship, beating Switzerland 5-2 on Sunday. - See more at: http://stats.hockeycanada.ca/game/show/10499715?subseason=208395&_ga=1.33823905.1495899926.1427467957#.dpuf

2015 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship, beating Switzerland 5-2 on Sunday. - See more at: http://stats.hockeycanada.ca/game/show/10499715?subseason=208395&_ga=1.33823905.1495899926.1427467957#.dpuf

Glenn Gawdin (Richmond, B.C./Swift Current, WHL) scored twice, opening and closing the scoring, and Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team earned the bronze medal at the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship, beating Switzerland 5-2 on Sunday.

It’s the third time in four years Canada has won bronze at the world championship, and its fourth medal in a row; the Canadians won their third world title in 2013, around bronze in 2012, 2014 and this year.
Jansen Harkins (North Vancouver, B.C./Prince George, WHL), Deven Sideroff (Summerland, B.C./Kamloops, WHL) and Brett Howden (Oakbank, Man./Moose Jaw, WHL) had the other goals for Canada, which got points from 11 different players.
Zach Sawchenko (Calgary, Alta./Moose Jaw, WHL) was rock solid in the Canadian goal, finishing with 28 saves in front of a large, pro-Swiss crowd at Bossard Arena.
Gawdin put Canada ahead early, redirecting a Tyler Soy (Cloverdale, B.C./Victoria, WHL) shot past Swiss netminder Joren van Pottelberghe just past the seven-minute mark, and Harkins banged in a loose puck 2:30 after that for a 2-0 Canadian advantage.
Sideroff made it 3-0 at 11:54, burying a Kyle Capobianco (Mississauga, Ont./Sudbury, OHL) rebound.
The Swiss battled back in the dying minutes of the first period; Damien Riat blasted home the 3-1 goal on the power play at 17:30, and Marco Miranda tipped a shot over the shoulder of Sawchenko just 1:25 after that to cut the Canadian lead to 3-2 after 20 minutes.
Howden restored the two-goal advantage early in the second period, and Gawdin followed a shot from Matthew Spencer (Oakville, Ont./Peterborough, OHL) to the net to knock in the rebound at 8:43, finishing the scoring.
Sawchenko saved his best for the third period, making 14 of his 28 stops in the final frame as the Swiss pounded the Canadian net on a trio of late power play opportunities.
Canada outshot Switzerland 32-30.

- See more at: http://stats.hockeycanada.ca/game/show/10499715?subseason=208395&_ga=1.33823905.1495899926.1427467957#.dpuf

Glenn Gawdin (Richmond, B.C./Swift Current, WHL) scored twice, opening and closing the scoring, and Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team earned the bronze medal at the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship, beating Switzerland 5-2 on Sunday.

It’s the third time in four years Canada has won bronze at the world championship, and its fourth medal in a row; the Canadians won their third world title in 2013, around bronze in 2012, 2014 and this year.
Jansen Harkins (North Vancouver, B.C./Prince George, WHL), Deven Sideroff (Summerland, B.C./Kamloops, WHL) and Brett Howden (Oakbank, Man./Moose Jaw, WHL) had the other goals for Canada, which got points from 11 different players.
Zach Sawchenko (Calgary, Alta./Moose Jaw, WHL) was rock solid in the Canadian goal, finishing with 28 saves in front of a large, pro-Swiss crowd at Bossard Arena.
Gawdin put Canada ahead early, redirecting a Tyler Soy (Cloverdale, B.C./Victoria, WHL) shot past Swiss netminder Joren van Pottelberghe just past the seven-minute mark, and Harkins banged in a loose puck 2:30 after that for a 2-0 Canadian advantage.
Sideroff made it 3-0 at 11:54, burying a Kyle Capobianco (Mississauga, Ont./Sudbury, OHL) rebound.
The Swiss battled back in the dying minutes of the first period; Damien Riat blasted home the 3-1 goal on the power play at 17:30, and Marco Miranda tipped a shot over the shoulder of Sawchenko just 1:25 after that to cut the Canadian lead to 3-2 after 20 minutes.
Howden restored the two-goal advantage early in the second period, and Gawdin followed a shot from Matthew Spencer (Oakville, Ont./Peterborough, OHL) to the net to knock in the rebound at 8:43, finishing the scoring.
Sawchenko saved his best for the third period, making 14 of his 28 stops in the final frame as the Swiss pounded the Canadian net on a trio of late power play opportunities.
Canada outshot Switzerland 32-30.

- See more at: http://stats.hockeycanada.ca/game/show/10499715?subseason=208395&_ga=1.33823905.1495899926.1427467957#.dpuf

Terriers double up Mustangs in Sunday afternoon Clash at the WCC

(from SJHL.ca)

The 2015 Western Canada Cup is turning into a goal scorer's paradise. Through two games on Opening Saturday 18 goals had been scored, and Sunday's afternoon affair between the MJHL and SJHL Champs fell right in line.

After dropping their tournament opener 3-1 to the host Fort McMurray Oil Barons, the Portage Terriers came out flying and jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one.

The line of Jordyn Boyd, Tyler Jeanson and Dane Schioler combined for 6 points in the opening period as the Terriers fired 17 shots on goal in the opening period.

The Mustangs found themselves in penalty trouble to start the 2nd and Shawn Bowles made the Mustangs pay, notching his 1st of the WCC to give the Dogs a 3-0 lead.

Melfort would get their first tournament goal nearly 10 minutes later as Nick Hermary tapped home his 1st on a great feed from Cole Hyrsky.

As quickly as the Mustangs gained momentum, the Terriers took it away. Andrew Zerban walked into the zone off the ensuing faceoff and restored the three goal lead just 11 seconds later.

Melfort would come out flying in the 3rd period and got a pair of goals from Cole Hyrsky and Justin Boyer to cut the lead to 4-3.  A furious late effort by the Mustangs couldn't harvest any fruit and Portage added an insurance marker and an empty netter to seal the deal and bring their record back to even ground at 1-1.

The Mustangs fall to 0-1 on the tournament and will now face the 0-1 Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) tonight (Mon)

Game time is 7:30.

The MJHL champion Terriers on the other hand, their next action will be tomorrow afternoon taking on the Penticton Vees.

2015 Western Canada Cup begins Saturday in Fort McMurray

The 2015 edition of the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup gets underway this Saturday and will go until May 3th in Fort McMurray, Alberta

The Yorkton Terriers of course were last years champion in Dauphin, but unfortunately they were unable to make the playoffs and return to try and defend their title.

The Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL champions) will return to their 2nd straight WCC, where they bowed out to the Dauphin Kings in the RBC Cup Play in game last year in Manitoba. They will be joined by the SJHL's Canalta Cup champion Melfort Mustangs, BCHL champion Penticton Vees, the MJHL Turnbull Cup champion & 2015 RBC Cup hosts Portage Terriers and finally the host Fort McMurray Oil Barons.

I had a chance to catch up with a couple former members of our local Junior A teams to have the recap their championship and preview the 3rd annual Western Canada Cup.


Former Melville Millionaires & Melfort Mustangs goaltender Richard Palmer

Mustangs Schedule:

	Melfort Mustangs	Portage Terriers	Sun, Apr 26	2:30 PM
	Spruce Grove Saints	Melfort Mustangs	Mon, Apr 27	7:30 PM
	Melfort Mustangs	Penticton Vees	Wed, Apr 29	7:30 PM
	Fort McMurray Oil Barons	Melfort Mustangs	Thu, Apr 30	7:30 PM

Former Swan Valley Stampeder & Virden MB product Landon Peel of the Portage Terriers



Terriers Schedule:

Portage Terriers	Fort McMurray Oil Barons	Sat, Apr 25	7:30 PM
	Melfort Mustangs	Portage Terriers	Sun, Apr 26	2:30 PM
	Penticton Vees	Portage Terriers	Tue, Apr 28	2:30 PM
	Portage Terriers	Spruce Grove Saints	Thu, Apr 30	2:30 PM

Yorkton AAA Midget Maulers bring back Garrett for 2nd stint as teams Head Coach

  


The Yorkton Midget AAA Maulers search for a new Head Coach has ended with a familar face returning to the fold.

The club announced today (Thurs) that Graham Garrett (pictured above) will return back behind the bench for his 2nd stint with the club.

Garrett coached the Yorkton AAA Midget team for 3 years from 2008/09 to 2010/11.

For the last 2 years he has been the Head Coach of the Yorkton Bantam UCT Terriers and has helped them capture 2 league titles, and couple appearances in the Western Canadian Bantam Championships.

The team will hold their annual Spring Camp this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Farrel Agencies Arena.

I had a chance to catch up with Maulers G-M Garth Simms to talk about his new Head Coach and about this weekends Spring camp.

Mils' Farrell commits to St. Mary's (NCAA Div. III)

 

The Melville Millionaires are pleased to announced that graduating forward Landon Farrell has committed to the St. Mary's University of Minnesota Cardinals (Division III) in Winona, Minnesota for the 15/16 hockey season.

The Rochester, Minnesota native had 12 goals, 13 assists for 25 points this past season with the Mils. During his 2 years in Melville, he compiled 30 goals 39 assists in 119 career SJHL games.

Farrell will join former Millionaire Kelvin Walz on the Cardinals.

Terriers' graduating dman Rossiter commits to Brock University (CIS); Hunt also commits

Another graduating member of the SJHL's Yorkton Terriers will be continuing his hockey career at the collegiate level.

Defenceman Dallas Rossiter (pictured above) will be beginning his CIS career this fall with the Brock Univeristy Badgers in St. Catharines Ontario.

Rossiter played 161 career games as Terriers, compiling 5 goals, 28 assists for 33 points. He was also a member of 2 Canalta Cups, 1 Western Canada & apart of the Terriers' first ever RBC Cup National Title in 2014.

I had chance to catch up with Rossiter below:

___________________________________________________________________________

Also Terrier 1995 born forward Riley Hunt has announced his commitment to the University of Victoria Vikes hockey team (BCIHL) for the 2015/16 season .

Hunt in his 19 year old season had a team high 37 points (15 goals 22 assists) for the Terriers in the 14/15 season where he was named the team's MVP.

He played in 86 total games as a Terriers and finished off with 24 goals, 35 assists for 59 points.

Football Night in Saskatchewan IX taking place this Saturday in Yorkton

The 9th annual Football Night in Saskatchewan will be taking place on Saturday at the St. Mary's Cultural Center in Yorkton.

Tailgate/ Meet & Greet: 5PM

Supper: 7PM

Guest Speaker tonight is former CFLer JR Larose (pictured above)

I had a chance to catch up with one of the organizers and Yorkton Minor Football President Roby Sharpe to preview the 9th annual edition of Football Night in Saskatchewan.

Yorkton Terriers' Spring Camp Recap with Terriers HC/GM Trent Cassan

Mustangs hoist first Canalta Cup since 1996

(from SJHL.ca)

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Melfort Mustangs are on top of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

The Mustangs blanked the Notre Dame Hounds 4-0 in Game 4 on Thursday, sweeping the Notre Dame Hounds to win the Canalta Cup, their first since 1996.

Richard Palmer made 29 saves for his second shutout of the playoffs, and went 12-2 in the post-season, with a 2.07 GAA, .922% to be names Co-Playoff MVP along with forward Adam Fauchoux, who racked up 14 goals in 14 post-season games.

Fauchoux was held off the board in Game 4, for just the second time in the playoffs.  David Heath opened the scoring on a first period penalty shot, before the Mustangs scored three in the second to round out the scoring, thanks to Justin Boyer, Sheldon Argent (SH) and Nick Hermary.

The Mustangs advance to the Western Canada Cup in Fort McMurray, Alberta beginning next weekend.  The host Fort McMurray Oil Barons, and MJHL Champion, and RBC host Portage Terriers are already part of the WCC field.  The other two spots are yet to be determined, as the Penticton Vees lead the Nanaimo Clippers 3-2 in the BCHL final, and the Spruce Grove Saints holding a 3-1 edge on the Brooks Bandits in the AJHL championship series.

Yorkton Terriers' Spring Prospects Camp goes this weekend at the FAA

The Yorkton Terriers are hosting their Annual Spring Prospects camp this weekend at the Farrell Agencies Arena in Yorkton. The camp will have four teams and begin Friday morning April 17 and finish up Sunday April 19 in the afternoon.

Below is the camp schedule, players will receive their team assignment Friday morning at registration.

Yorkton Terriers 2015 Spring Camp Schedule
Friday, April 17th
10:00-10:30am Registration @ Terrier Locker Room
11:30-12:15pm Team Orange practice
12:30-1:15pm Team Grey practice
1:30-2:15 pm Team Green practice
2:30-3:15 pm Team Black practice
4:00 pm Parent/Player Information Session
6:00-7:45 pm Team Orange vs. Team Grey
8:00-9:45 pm Team Green vs. Team Black

Saturday, April 18th
9:00-10:45 am Team Grey vs. Team Green
11:00-12:45 pm Team Black vs. Team Orange
6:00–7:45 pm Team Orange vs. Team Green
8:00–9:45 pm Team Grey vs. Team Black

Sunday, April 19th
9:00-10:45am Team Orange vs. Team Grey
11:00-12:00am- Individual meetings for Orange and Grey
12:00- 1:45pm Team Green vs. Team Black
 2:00-3:00pm- Individual meetings for Green and Black

*** All players must wear the proper facial protection. ALL players who were registered at the Midget level must wear full face shields and neck guards. Players who were registered at the Junior level may wear visors.

*** Please note that players will receive their team assignment and schedule for the weekend upon registering on April, 17th from 10:00-10:30am. 

A reminder all fans that the Terriers are hosting their Spring Early Bird Ticket Blitz this Saturday at the Terrier Locker Room from 9:00AM to 8:00PM.

Last chance to purchase your Yorkton Terrier Lotto Tickets this weekend. The final deadline to purchase is Saturday at 8:00PM. The final draw will be Monday April 21.

  Preview with Terriers Head Coach/GM Trent Cassan

Two local products announced as 2015 Inductess into Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame

The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame has announced the seven (7) inductees who will become the newest members to be enshrined as part of the Class of 2015. The inductees, including three in the athlete category, two in the category of builder and two in the team category will be officially inducted at the 49th Annual Induction Ceremony to be held at the Conexus Arts Centre on Saturday, June 13, 2015.

The 2015 inductees are:

IN THE ATHLETE CATEGORY:

Cliff Koroll (Canora) – Hockey

Milos Kostic (Milanovac, Serbia) – Triathlon

Jason Parker (Yorkton) – Speed Skating

IN THE BUILDER CATEGORY:

Sharon Tkachuk (Prince Albert) – Athletics

Richard “Dick” White (Regina) – Multi Sport

IN THE TEAM CATEGORY:

1985 Moose Jaw Generals AA Senior Men’s Hockey Team – Hardy Cup Champions

2009 Eugene Hritzuk Senior Men’s Curling Team – 2009 World Senior Men’s Curling Champions

“2015 has been declared “The Year of Sport in Canada” by the Right Honourable, David Johnson, Governor General of Canada,” said Linda Burnham, Chair of the Induction Celebrations. “The declaration from the Governor General celebrates the role that sport plays in our Canadian identity and its vital connection to the cultural fabric of our nation.   Here at the Saskatchewan Sport Hall of Fame we certainly echo that sentiment which is truly embodied in our Class of 2015.  We look forward to enshrining them during our Induction celebrations in June.  Their accomplishments will also be featured in our Dedication to Sport exhibit as we share with the people of Saskatchewan the great sport history of our province."

Tickets to the 49th Annual Induction Dinner & Ceremony are $100/person and are available directly from the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.

Jason Parker
Born: Yorkton, SK
Athlete:  Speed Skating

Was involved in the sport of Speed Skating for over 20 years and spent 12 of those on the National Team

During the course of his career Jason competed in 75 World Cups and 10 World Championships - over 130 International races on both Sprint and All-Round Teams

• 49 times he was in the top 10
• 99 times he was in the top 20

From 1987-1993 was Saskatchewan Athlete of the Month 8 times

1998 & 1999 World Cup Bronze Medalist

1998 World Championship Bronze Medalist

1998-99 Established Provincial Records in the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m races

From 1998-2002 Canadian record holder in the 1500m

Olympic Games participation:

• 1998 in Nagano, Japan
• 2002 in Salt Lake City, UT
• 2006 in Torino, Italy

Silver Medalist, 2006 Olympic Long Track Team Pursuit, Torino, Italy

1996 won the Roland Michener Canada Games Award for his leadership skills and ongoing commitment to scholastic and athletic excellence

1997 & 1999 was Saskatchewan Male Athlete of the Year

2005 Recipient of the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal from the Lieutenant Governor

2006 Inducted into the Canadian Speed Skating Hall of Fame

2006 Inducted into the Olympian Athletes Association

2007 Inducted into the Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame

I had chance to catch up with Parker below:

 

Cliff Koroll

Born:  Canora, SK

Athlete:  Hockey

• 1961/62 Saskatoon Wesleys won the Midget “A” Provincials
• 1963/64 Saskatoon Wesleys were the Juvenile “A” Provincial Champions
• 1964 Bedford Road High School Athlete of the year
• 1967/68 University of Denver hockey team NCAA National Champions. Cliff was the team Captain
• 1967/68 Cliff was a NCAA All American candidate
• 1968 awarded a pro tryout with the Minnesota Twins and was offered a contract.  
• 1968/69 joined the Dallas Blackhawks of the Central Hockey League (CHL).  He only played one year before joining the ranks of the National Hockey League (NHL).
• 1969-1980 Cliff played for the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL. 
• After his playing career, Cliff remained with the Blackhawks as an assistant coach for 7 years and 2 years as the Public Relations Director; a total of 21 years with the team!
• 1971 & 1973 Chicago Blackhawks were Stanley Cup Finalists
• Cliff holds the following distinctions with the Chicago Blackhawks:
• 20^th All Time Blackhawk scorer
• 11^th in games played
• 3^rd in game winning goals
• 1986 instrumental in establishing the Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association along with his good friend Keith Magnusson.  Currently serves as President of the Association.
• Inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame, the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, the University of Denver Hall of Fame, and the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois Hall of Fame.

Terriers' capture MJHL Turnbull Cup Trophy

(From mjhlhockey.ca)

The Portage Terriers capped their historic season Tuesday night in Steinbach, winning the Turnbull Trophy with a nail-biting 4-3 win over Steinbach Pistons. Terriers’ ran the table in the playoffs going 12-0, winning the Turnbull Trophy in four straight.

“It’s always a good thing to be the last team standing at the end,” Terriers’ Head Coach Blake Spiller told CFRY-Radio. “I’m really proud of my team. We have a great group of guys on this team. To go undefeated in the playoffs is great. I’m really happy for the guys on our team.

“The last few minutes were a bit nerve wracking for everyone involved. But we did what we had to do to win; just like all season. Good for our guys.”

Terriers’ netminder Justin Laforest was thrilled with the championship. Not to mention, going 12-0 in the playoffs.

“This is amazing,” said Laforest. “No greater feeling in the world than right now. Our team is just fantastic. We came out strong in the game, but we knew Steinbach was going to battle. But, we weren’t going to lose this one.”

Terriers’ forward Dane Schioler was named the playoff MVP. The Winnipeg native was thrilled as he carried the Turnbull Trophy around the ice with his teammates.

“This is very special,” said Schioler, 18. “I owe this to my teammates. We were a bit nervous (coming into the game)…but we knew what we had to do. It was a tough game.”

The Terriers, who are hosting the RBC Cup next month, have now won six MJHL championships in 11 seasons: 2005, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2015.

Playing in front of 1,200 thrilled fans at the TG Smith Centre, Terriers held period leads of 2-0 and 3-1. Pistons rallied in the third, pulling to within one goal – 4-3 – but the Terriers successfully snuffed the comeback.

Terriers received goals from the Bowles brothers, Brad and Shawn, Tyler Jeanson and Carson Perreaux. Pistons received goals from Denis Bosc, Tyler Penner and Dustin Loeppky.

“Our team came out hard,” said Shawn Bowles. “We all wanted to end it tonight. We just stuck together. We all know our roles and we come out every night and battle hard. It’s awesome to win this championship. A real highlight in my career.”

Terriers’ captain Tanner Jago summed up the championship: “This championship is unbelievable. We knew it was going to be a grind in the playoffs, but hats off to the fellas. This rink is really tough to play in. Credit to the Pistons.”

EXTRA POINTS: Terriers now advance to the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup (April 25 to May 3.) Terriers will open the round-robin tournament April 25 against host Fort McMurray Oil Barons…Several hundred Portage fans made the trip to Steinbach…Terriers were forced to overtime only once – against Virden Oil Capitals − in the playoffs.

McLellan named Head Coach of Canadian entry for World Hockey Championships

(from hockeycanada.ca)

Jim Nill, general manager of Canada’s National Men’s Team, announced Tuesday that Todd McLellan (Melville, Sask./San Jose, NHL) will be Canada’s head coach at the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, scheduled for May 1-17, 2015 in Prague and Ostrava, Czech Republic.


Peter DeBoer (Dunnville, Ont.), Bill Peters (Three Hills, Alta./Carolina, NHL) and Jay Woodcroft (Toronto, Ont./San Jose, NHL) will join McLellan behind the bench as assistant coaches.

“This is a coaching staff with extensive experience in the NHL and knowledge of the international game, as well,” said Nill. “As a management group we are excited to work with this staff, and look forward to building a roster and representing Canada in the Czech Republic next month.”

Nill is working with a management group comprised of George McPhee (Guelph, Ont.), Sean Burke (Windsor, Ont./Phoenix, NHL), Pat Verbeek (Sarnia, Ont./Tampa Bay, NHL), Claude Loiselle (Ottawa, Ont.) and Scott Salmond (Creston, B.C.), Hockey Canada’s vice-president of hockey operations and national teams.

Todd McLellan (pictured above), 47, just finished his seventh season as head coach of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. He has led the Sharks to three division championships and the President’s Trophy in 2008-09, and is the winningest coach in franchise history. Previously, McLellan spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, winning the Stanley Cup in 2008, and won the Calder Cup as head coach of the AHL’s Houston Aeros in 2003. He also spent six seasons as head coach and general manager of the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos from 1994-2000; McLellan was named WHL executive of the year in 1996-97, and WHL coach of the year in 1999-2000. He has one previous experience with Team Canada, winning a bronze medal as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2000 IIHF World Junior Championship. McLellan was drafted by the New York Islanders in the fifth round of the 1986 NHL Entry Draft, and played five NHL games with the Islanders during the 1987-88 season.


Canada’s roster will be comprised of players not involved in the NHL playoffs. Canada can also add players eliminated during the Stanley Cup playoffs, and can register up to 25 players, including three goaltenders, on its official roster. 

Canada opens the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship against Latvia on May 1. It will also face Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland in preliminary round play.

Terriers' Pre-Preseason Ticket Blitz Set for Saturday

**Pre-Preseason Ticket Blitz - Sat April 18/ 2015 **
9:00 AM- 8:00 PM at the Gallagher Center

The Terriers will be conducting their first ever Spring Preseason ticket BLITZ!!!

For this day only the prices will be as follows:
             Seniors- $265.00
             Adults- $280.00
             Child- $49.00
             Teen- $99.00
There will be a fall preseason ticket blitz with the following prices:
             Senior- $285.00
             Adult- $300.00
             Child- $49.00
             Teen- $99.00
Regular Season Ticket prices will be:
             Senior- $305.00
             Adult- $320.00
             Child- $49.00
             Teen- $99.00

Former Millionaire Trapp & ND Hounds prepare for SJHL Canalta Cup Final that begins Friday in Melfort

For the first time in 27 years, the Notre Dame Hounds are headed back to the SJHL's Canalta Cup Finals. The Hounds advanced by defeating the Kindersley Klippers in overtime on Sunday night to capture that Semi-Final Series in 6 games.

The Hounds will now battle the Melfort Mustangs in the SJHL Final that'll begin on Friday night at the Northern Lights Palace.

The 30 year old Trapp scored 50 goals, 93 assists for 143 points in 154 career SJHL games with the Melville Millionaires and Estevan Bruins.

He then went on to score 56 goals & 96 assists for 155 points in 4 years with Sacred Heart University (NCAA Division 1)

I had a chance to catch up with former Melville Millionaires and Balcarres product Bear Trapp (pictured above) who is the Asst. Coach for the Hounds to preview the championship series.

Stamps 2015 Spring Camp Recap with HC/GM Erik Petersen

Weekend Thoughts

First off all, Happy Easter to all of you and for all you Ukrainians out there you get to do it all again this weekend as well (Double the paska and babka, can't go wrong with that.)

**The season for the Yorkton UCT Terriers ended on a disappointing note losing to to the Winnipeg Warriors in the Bronze Medal Game at the Western Canadian Bantam Hockey championships in Winnipeg , but they have nothing to hang their heads about. The Terriers were able to capture their 2nd straight league and provincial title in dominating fashion. Expect a handful or more players from this squad to have their name called out very early when the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft is here on May 7th. Job well done Head Coch Graham Garett and the Terriers team.

**It wasn't the color of medal they wanted but congratulations to local product Jessica Campbell and her Team Canada teammates who captured the silver medal at the 2015 World Women's Hockey championships in Malmo, Sweden. The canadian girls lost to their longtime rivals the Americans in the final Saturday 7-5. It was the first big step for Campbell as she played her first World championship with the Senior program and she didn't look out of place. I'm proud of my good friend and former teammate on her success so far in her hockey career, still plenty of time for the 22 year old with the Canadian Senior Women's program.

**The SJHL's Canalta Cup Finals are now set as two of the best and most talented teams the whole year will do battle as the Notre Dame Hounds take on the Melfort Mustangs. The Mustangs have been one of the leagues elite all season long led by the Minion line of Travis Mayan, Tristan Frei and Justin Boyer will have been sensational all season long along with former Melville Richard Palmer who has been superb for them between the pipes. The Mustangs won the battle of the North East and  advanced after defeating the Nipawin Hawks in 5 games, with 3 of those going to the overtime period.
     Meanwhile the Notre Dame Hounds will be making their appearance in the Canalta Cup final since 1988 (Former NHLer Curtis Joseph was the goalie on that team). The Hounds have been very consistent all season long and have fallen under the radar a little bit, but they backed their play up by beating 2 very good teams, the Flin Flon Bombers in 7 games and now most recently last night defeating the Kindersley Klippers in 6 games after Spencer Trapp got his 2nd of the game in OT. Boy is Trapp a player, he has come a long from being a little guy I saw running around at hockey games when we were little when our older brothers played together back in Melville. Speaking of the Balcarres product and former Melville Millionaire Bear Trapp, he is of course the Assistant Coach of the Jr. A Hounds and him alongside Clint Mylymok have done a tremendous job with that Hounds squad.

          Also the Klippers loss last night ended off the very solid Junior career of Regina's Dylan Baer. Baer was acquired earlier in the year to Klippers I have been able to see this kid grow over the years mostly spent with the Yorkton Terriers where he captured a couple league titles and a RBC Cup National Title. So congrats to Baersy on the career and best of luck going forward.
     So now that the final is set, it should be a dandy so if you have the chance to check it out, please do so and I'm saying this could be a very homer series, meaning the home team would probably be successful, so its going to go 7 games. Goaltending is going to be HUGE.  The Series starts Friday in Melfort.

**Speaking of Junior A hockey, the MJHL Turnbull Cup Final begins Wednesday in Portage, as the top 2 teams in the standings will do battle as the Terriers will take on the Steinbach Pistons.This might be a closer series than most people think as the 2015 RBC Cup host Terriers have shown despite their great success this year that they can struggle a bit on a smaller ice like the Pistons have. Local flavor in the final has a couple of former Swan Valley Stampeder teammates Colin Baudry (Steinbach) up against Landon Peel (Portage). Also one time Millionaire Brodie Buhler is the on the Steinbach squad.  I'll take Portage in 6 games.

**The Regina Pat Canadians are headed to the Telus Cup National Championships after defeating the Pembina Valley Hawks 7-1 in the Gold Medal Game yesterday (Sun). They will begin the tournament on April 20th in Quebec.

**The final week of the NHL season is upon us and it could be a very entertaining and exciting final week, and I got only one thing to say and thats Go Canucks Go!!

** It's opening day for the Toronto Blue Jays as they battle the New York Yankees. The question mark is still out there if the Jays can be a playoff contender this season, well their offence looks strong and they will score a lot of the runs but is their pitching going to be good enough? I think the Jays will be in consideration to be one the Wild Card teams in the American League.

**Its also Master's Week for Golf as the first major of the 2015 season will go this week. All eyes are on Tiger Woods who makes his return to the course, I don't think Tiger will have any magic in his first week back. I got Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson as my picks with Webb Simpson being my dark horse.

**and finally the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship game goes tonight as Wisconsin battles Duke. I'll take Coach K and the Blue Devils this evening.